SB 64 Summary

• Creates Chapter 44 (Flood Mitigation Standards) in Delaware Title 7 to establish statewide floodplain and drainage standards addressing Delaware's vulnerability as the lowest U.S. state with 17% of land mass in 100-year floodplains.

• Requires DNREC Secretary to develop minimum floodplain and drainage standards within 12 months through consultation with a Floodplain and Drainage Advisory Committee including public, private, state, federal, and municipal stakeholders.

• Mandates all Delaware counties and municipalities adopt the state minimum standards within 12 months through regulation, ordinance, or incorporation by reference, with option to seek Department approval for "functionally equivalent" existing codes.

• Authorizes DNREC Secretary to waive Wetlands (Chapter 66) and Subaqueous Lands (Chapter 72) regulatory requirements in emergencies, public safety situations, infrastructure protection scenarios, and where Department authority overlaps with other statutes (Shellfish Grounds, Beach Preservation).

• Establishes tri-annual Department review of local ordinances to ensure uniform application of updated standards and maps statewide.